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An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
includes a generally cylindrical hollow base portion manufactured from a
first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size for
insertion into a mouth of such bottle. A mechanism is disposed at a
predetermined location on such base portion for sealingly engaging such
base portion to an interior surface of such mouth of such bottle. A
generally cylindrical hollow top portion is operably connected to such
base portion closely adjacent an upper end of such base portion, such top
portion is manufactured from a second predetermined material and has a
second predetermined size and includes an open top end. A mesh material
is fixedly disposed at a predetermined location within one of such base
portion and such top portion for supporting at least one pill thereon.

Inventors:

SHOWERS; STEVEN J.; (Greensboro, NC)

Serial No.:

721055

Series Code:

12

Filed:

March 10, 2010

Current U.S. Class:

604/77; 215/386

Class at Publication:

604/77; 215/386

International Class:

A61J 7/00 20060101 A61J007/00; B65D 23/12 20060101 B65D023/12

Claims

1. An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
comprising: a. a generally cylindrical hollow base portion manufactured
from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size
for insertion into a mouth of such bottle; b. a means disposed at a
predetermined location on said base portion for sealingly engaging said
base portion to an interior surface of such mouth of such bottle; c. a
generally cylindrical hollow top portion operably connected to said base
portion closely adjacent an upper end of said base portion, said top
portion manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a
second predetermined size and including an open top end; and d. a mesh
material, having a first surface facing an outer end of said generally
cylindrical hollow top portion and a second surface facing an innermost
end of said generally cylindrical hollow base portion, fixedly disposed
in close proximity to said innermost end of said base portion.

2. An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus further includes a first
cover member sealingly engageable with said open top end of said top
portion of said apparatus for retaining any unused portion of fluid
remaining within such bottle therein when said apparatus is connected to
such bottle.

3. An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
according to claim 2 wherein said first cover member is a flip top cap.

4. An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
according to claim 2 wherein said apparatus further includes a second
cover member releasably connectable to an open bottom end of said base
portion for preventing at least one of dust, liquid, dirt, debris, and a
combination thereof from entering through said open bottom end of said
base portion when said apparatus is not connected to such bottle.

5. An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
according to claim 1 wherein interior walls of at least one of said top
portion, said base portion, and a combination thereof includes a
plurality of axial ribs disposed thereon for preventing such at least one
pill from sticking to said interior walls when such pill is wet.

6. An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
according to claim 1 wherein said mesh material is at least one of wire,
plastic, fabric, and a combination thereof.

7. An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined material is
plastic.

8. An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
according to claim 1 wherein said second predetermined material is
plastic.

9. An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus is reusable.

10. An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus is dishwasher safe.

11. An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
according to claim 1 in combination with a bottle.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means disposed at said
predetermined location on said base portion for sealingly engaging said
base portion to an interior surface of such mouth of such bottle is at
least one fin.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said apparatus includes at
least three said fins.

14. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means disposed at said
predetermined location on said base portion for sealingly engaging said
base portion to an interior surface of such mouth of such bottle is a
pressure fit.

15. An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
comprising: a. a generally cylindrical hollow base having each of inner
peripheral surface, an outer peripheral surface, an inner end and an
outer end; b. three annular sealing fins disposed in spaced apart
relationship along a length of said base portion on said outer peripheral
surface thereof, each of said three annular sealing fins has a different
outer diameter; c. a generally cylindrical hollow top portion operatively
connected to said base portion closely adjacent said upper end thereof;
and d. a mesh member fixedly disposed in a plane being generally
transverse to said length of said base portion in close proximity to said
inner end thereof and in general alignment with a lower one of said three
annular sealing ribs.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said apparatus further
includes a portion of an inner peripheral surface of said top portion
being tapered outwardly toward an upper open end of said top portion and
a plurality of axial ribs disposed on inner peripheral surfaces of at
least one of said base portion, said top portion and combination thereof
between said mesh and said tapered inner peripheral surface portion of
said top portion.

17. An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill ingestion
comprising: a. a generally cylindrical hollow base having each of inner
peripheral surface, an outer peripheral surface, an inner end and an
outer end; b. a means disposed at a predetermined location on said base
portion for sealingly engaging said base portion to an interior surface
of such mouth of such bottle; c. a generally cylindrical hollow top
portion operatively connected to said base portion closely adjacent said
upper end thereof, wherein a portion of an inner peripheral surface of
said top portion is tapered outwardly toward an upper open end of said
top portion; d. an annular flange disposed on an outer peripheral surface
of said top portion adjacent inner end thereof; and e. a mesh member
fixedly disposed in a plane being generally transverse to a length of
said base portion.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said apparatus further
includes a cover member sealingly engageable with said open outer end of
said top portion and an elongated member having one end thereof attached
to an exterior surface of said cover member and having an opposite end
thereof connected to an exterior surface of said top portion adjacent
said annular flange thereof.

19. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said means for sealingly
engaging said base portion to an interior surface of such mouth of such
bottle includes three annular sealing fins disposed in spaced apart
relationship along a length of said base portion on said outer peripheral
surface thereof, each of said three annular sealing fins has a different
outer diameter.

20. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said apparatus further
includes a plurality of axial ribs disposed on inner peripheral surfaces
of at least one of said base portion, said top portion and combination
thereof between said mesh and said tapered inner peripheral surface
portion of said top portion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is closely related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/470,527 filed May 22, 2009 titled Apparatus to Assist with Pill
Ingestion which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices that assist with
ingesting pills, such as pills, tablets, capsules, medicants, gel tabs,
and the like, and more particularly, to an apparatus to assist with pill
ingestion that connects to the top of a beverage bottle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Many people have an aversion to swallowing pills, therefore there
is a need for improvement in the field.

[0004] Specifically of interest to the present invention are the
following: North, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,358, discloses a tablet
package which includes a predetermined number of tablets and a
predetermined quantity of liquid. The package is disposable and the
tablets are separated from the liquid via a breakable sheet through which
the tablets may be ejected.

[0005] Esau, U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,709, discloses a stacking receptacle cap
which cooperates with existing bottles and bottle caps; such receptacle
cap is for holding pills separate from liquid within such bottles. The
receptacle caps are stackable upon each other.

[0006] Sorenson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,958, discloses an apparatus and
method for nesting a supplement compartment atop a lid of a liquid
container.

[0007] Langeler, et al, U.S. Publication No. 2003/0057115 discloses a pill
delivery system which includes a container holding a consumable substance
and a specialized cap for receiving one or more pills.

[0008] Zanegood, U.S. Pat. No. 2,940,447, Gunten, U.S. Pat. No. 2,919,694,
and Heilos, U.S. Publication No. 2006/0011639 all discloses drinking
glasses for use in swallowing pills.

[0009] Maze, U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,140 discloses a flask which includes a
pill compartment integrally formed therein separate from a fluid
compartment.

[0010] None of the references cited above provides the benefits attenuate
with the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill
ingestion includes a generally cylindrical hollow base portion
manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first
predetermined size for insertion into a mouth of such bottle. A means is
disposed at a predetermined location on such base portion for sealingly
engaging such base portion to an interior surface of such mouth of such
bottle. A generally cylindrical hollow top portion is operably connected
to such base portion closely adjacent an upper end of such base portion,
such top portion is manufactured from a second predetermined material and
has a second predetermined size and includes an open top end. A mesh
material is fixedly disposed at a predetermined location within one of
such base portion and such top portion for supporting at least one pill
thereon.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present
invention to provide a device for use in assisting an individual in
swallowing a pill.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an invention
which is engageable with a bottle and which supports at least one pill,
such invention enabling liquid from within such bottle to pass through a
portion of the invention and carry such at least one pill into the mouth
of a user for swallowing.

[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a
device which makes it easier for a user to swallow solid medicines.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device
releasably engageable with a liquid holding container and which can be
used over and over again as needed to assist a user in simultaneously
ingesting liquid and at least one pill, tablet, capsule, gel tab,
medicant, and the like.

[0016] In addition to the various objects and advantages of the present
invention described with some degree of specificity above it should be
obvious that additional objects and advantages of the present invention
will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the
relevant art from the following more detailed description of the
invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction
with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to
one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is partial perspective view of the invention according to
one embodiment of the invention in which mesh material is illustrated;
such mesh material being for supporting at least one pill thereon.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to
one embodiment of the invention in which such apparatus has been engaged
with a mouth of a bottle.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to
one embodiment of the invention in which the device includes a flip top
cap.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective cut away view of the invention
according to one embodiment of the invention. in which the device
includes a second cover member for covering a bottom open end of the
device.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective cut away view of the invention
according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the invention depicting
such flip top cap in an open position.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the invention along the lines
of XI-XI according to one embodiment of the invention in which the mesh
material is illustrated supporting a pill thereon and axial ribs are
illustrated along interior walls of at least one of such top portion,
such base portion and a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present
invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and
understanding, identical components which have identical functions have
been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several
views illustrated in the drawing figures.

[0026] Reference is now made, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-8.

[0027] An apparatus for connection to a bottle to assist with pill
ingestion, generally designated 10, is provided. Such apparatus 10
includes a generally cylindrical hollow base portion 12 manufactured from
a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size for
insertion into a mouth of such bottle 14. It is presently preferred that
such first predetermined material is plastic.

[0028] A means 16 is disposed at a predetermined location on such base
portion 12 for sealingly engaging such base portion 12 to an interior
surface of such mouth of such bottle 14. It is presently preferred that
such means 16 is at least one fin 18. Preferably, such apparatus 10
includes at least three such fins 18. However, the device is not meant to
be limited as such and the means 16 may be a pressure fit means or any
other type of means which reasonably facilitates such a purpose.

[0029] A generally cylindrical hollow top portion 22 is operably connected
to such base portion 12 closely adjacent an upper end of such base
portion 12, such top portion 22 is manufactured from a second
predetermined material and has a second predetermined size and includes
an open top end. It is presently preferred that such second predetermined
material is plastic.

[0030] A mesh material 24 is fixedly disposed at a predetermined location
within one of such base portion 12 and such top portion 22 for supporting
at least one pill 26 thereon. Such at least one pill 26 may be any type
including, but not limited to at least one pill, at least one capsule, at
least one gel tab, at least one tablet, at least one medicant, and the
like. It is meant that the term "pill" cover any type of solid and
semi-solid medicine. It is presently preferred that such mesh material 24
is at least one of wire, plastic, fabric, and a combination thereof.

[0031] It is presently preferred that such apparatus 10 includes a first
cover member 28 sealingly engageable with such open top end 23 of such
top portion 22 of such apparatus 10 for retaining any unused portion of
fluid 29 remaining within such bottle 14 when such apparatus 10 is
connected to such bottle 14. Preferably such first cover member 28 is a
flip top cap 32.

[0032] It is further presently preferred that such apparatus 10 also
includes a second cover member 34 releasably connectable to an open
bottom end 31 of such base portion 12 for preventing at least one of
dust, liquid, dirt, debris, and a combination thereof from entering
through such open bottom end of such base portion 12 when such apparatus
10 is not connected to such bottle. It is meant that such first and
second cover members be used to cover the open ends of the apparatus 10
such that such at least one pill 26 may be transported securely within
the apparatus 10, such cover members not only preventing such at least
one pill from leaving the confines of the apparatus 10, but also
preventing dirt, dust, debris, liquids, etc. from contaminating such at
least one pill.

[0033] It is presently preferred that an interior cavity of at least one
of such top portion 22, such base portion and a combination thereof
includes a plurality of axial ribs 35 disposed along interior walls
thereof for preventing such at least one pill from sticking to such
interior walls when such pill is wet. It is meant that when ready to
consume such at least one pill a user (not shown) will remove or open
such cover members (if applicable), insert such base portion into the
mouth of such bottle, place such at least one pill on such mesh material
if not already positioned thereon, place his or her lips closely adjacent
such open top end of such top portion, and tilt such bottle such that
liquid from within such bottle passes through such mesh material to carry
such at least one pill along with such liquid into such user's mouth
wherein such at least one pill may be swallowed along with such liquid.

[0034] It is presently preferred that such apparatus 10 is reusable.

[0035] It is presently preferred that such apparatus 10 is dishwasher safe
for easy cleaning.

[0036] According to one embodiment, such apparatus 10 is in combination
with a bottle.

[0037] While a presently preferred and various alternative embodiments of
the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to
enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same it
should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be
envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from
either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.